WYOMING, Del.- Prying open an antique safe is not an easy job. Just ask workers from Pro-Lock Safe of Camden. They're doing it for a raffle contest called "Crack the Safe" at First National Bank of Wyoming.
About a dozen people, including contest winner Benny Reed of Dover, could not wait to find out just what was inside the 100-year-old safe. As the crowd stood in anticipation in the basement of the bank, workers finally cracked open the safe.
As the door slowly swung open to reveal what was inside, laughter filled the small room. A few old coins, keys and a bit of dust was scattered around the bottom of the safe, but there was more. A hidden compartment underneath that revealed more coins.
Joe Chippie, president and CEO of First National Bank, said he was surprised something was found inside the safe.
"I'm tickled to death that there were some old coins in that safe," he said. "I think the oldest was an 1892 silver quarter."
Reed was also elated to be holding a part of history in his hands.
"Here's my winnings people. That's what was in the safe," said Reed holding out his hand revealing about a dozen old coins.
Reed purchased two raffle tickets to enter the contest.
Along with Reed's ancient coins, he also received $1,000 from CenDel Foundation.
Reed's longtime friend said he was excited to find out he won.
"It couldn't happen to a nicer person. That man will do anything for anybody," said Ralph Figueroa, Reed's friend.
The bank partnered with the CenDel Foundation to help raise money for local charities in the area.
"Some will stay at the CenDel Foundation and continue to support organizations throughout Central Delaware. All of those great charitable organizations who sold tickets will benefit directly, by the money that they raised will go directly back to them," said Shelly Cecchett, executive director of the CenDel Foundation.
According to Cecchett, more than $23,000 was raised from the contest.
(Photo: WBOC)
